Top mount fastening system for a toilet with retaining feature

ABSTRACT

A fastening system for a toilet seat and/or cover includes a bolt, a nut, a hinge, and a retainer. The nut is coupled to the bolt and includes a locking member defining a plurality of teeth. The hinge is disposed between a head of the bolt and the nut. The retainer is configured to engage with the locking member and the hinge. The fastening system is configured to detachably couple a toilet seat to a toilet body. The fastening system is configured to be installed onto the toilet body from a single side of the toilet body.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 62/818,383, filed on Mar. 14, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety.

FIELD

The present technology is generally related to toilet assemblies and devices and methods for securing them.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a fastening system for a toilet seat and/or cover includes a bolt, a nut, a hinge, and a retainer. The nut is coupled to the bolt and includes a locking member defining a plurality of teeth. The hinge is disposed between a head of the bolt and the nut. The retainer is configured to engage with the locking member and the hinge. The fastening system is configured to detachably couple a toilet seat to a toilet body. The fastening system is configured to be installed onto the toilet body from a single side of the toilet body.

In another aspect, a method of installing a fastening system onto a toilet body includes engaging a retainer with a hinge, inserting a bolt through an opening in the hinge and into a sleeve of the hinge. The sleeve includes a plurality of slots extending upwardly from a lower end of the sleeve. The method also includes engaging a nut with the bolt. The nut includes (i) a locking member defining a plurality of teeth, and (ii) an anti-spin tab. The method additionally includes inserting the sleeve, the bolt, and the nut through a through-hole opening in the toilet body. The method further includes advancing the nut onto the bolt to engage at least one of the plurality of teeth with the retainer.

In yet another aspect, a hinge assembly of a toilet seat includes a body, a sleeve, and a retainer. The body defines an opening. The sleeve extends away from the body in a direction parallel to an axis of the opening. The sleeve includes a plurality of slots extending upwardly from a lower end of the sleeve. The plurality of slots defines a plurality of fingers. The retainer is coupled to the body and positioned adjacent to an upper end of the sleeve. The retainer includes a lock tab extending inwardly from a perimeter of the opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a top mount fastening system for a toilet, according to an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the top mount fastening system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the top mount fastening system of FIG. 1 engaged with a toilet.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a top mount fastening system for a toilet, according to another illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a hinge of the top mount fastening system of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a bolt for the top mount fastening system of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a partially exploded view of the top mount fastening system of FIG. 4 with the bolt engaged with the hinge.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the top mount fastening system of FIG. 4 engaged with a toilet.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a top mount fastening system for a toilet, according to another illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a top mount fastening system for a toilet, according to an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a partially exploded view of the top mount fastening system of FIG. 10 with the fastening system engaged with a toilet, according to an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a retainer for a top mount fastening system, according to an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a retaining key type retainer for a top mount fastening system, according to an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a hinge configured to interface with the retaining key type retainer of FIG. 13, according to an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the hinge of FIG. 14 engaged with the retainer of FIG. 13, according to an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a nut compatible with the hinge and retainer of FIG. 15, according to an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a retaining ring type retainer for a top mount fastening system, according to an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a hinge configured to engage with the retaining ring type retainer of FIG. 16, according to an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the hinge of FIG. 17 engaged with the retainer of FIG. 18, according to an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a nut compatible with the hinge and retainer of FIG. 19, according to an illustrative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments are described hereinafter. It should be noted that the specific embodiments are not intended as an exhaustive description or as a limitation to the broader aspects discussed herein. One aspect described in conjunction with a particular embodiment is not necessarily limited to that embodiment and can be practiced with any other embodiment(s).

As used herein, “about” will be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art and will vary to some extent depending upon the context in which it is used. If there are uses of the term which are not clear to persons of ordinary skill in the art, given the context in which it is used, “about” will mean up to plus or minus 10% of the particular term.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the elements (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the claims unless otherwise stated. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential.

Referring generally to the Figures, systems for mounting a toilet seat to a toilet body are shown, according to various illustrative embodiments. The systems eliminate the need to access multiple sides of a mounting hole in the toilet body in order to secure the toilet seat in position with respect to the toilet body. In some embodiments, the systems also include a locking member that prevents the toilet seat from becoming detached from the toilet body or separating from the system during assembly onto the toilet body.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, a top mount fastening system 100 is shown, according to an illustrative embodiment. The top mount fastening system 100 includes a bolt 102, a hinge 104, and a nut 105. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the system 100 is at least partially integrally formed with a hinge 104 of a toilet seat to define a single unitary body (e.g., structure). As shown in FIG. 1, the hinge 104 includes a body 107 defining an opening 109 (e.g., a circular opening, a hole, etc.). The hinge 104 also includes an expanding hinge sleeve 106 coupled to the body 107 and which extends away from a lower surface of the body 107 parallel to an axis of the opening 109 (e.g., vertically downwardly from the body in a perpendicular orientation relative to a lower surface of the body 107, etc.). In some embodiments, a thickness of a wall defining the sleeve 106 varies along the axis of the hole. For example, the wall may be tapered such that a thickness of the wall at an upper end of the sleeve proximate the body 107 may be greater than a thickness of the wall at a lower end of the sleeve away from the body 107. According to an illustrative embodiment, the sleeve 106 additionally includes a plurality of crush ribs 108 configured to engage with the mounting hole 12 in the toilet body. In some embodiments, the sleeve and the hinge may be integrally formed from a plastic material via an injection molding process.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the nut 105 includes a plurality of anti-spin tabs 110 configured to prevent rotational movement of the nut 105 with respect to the sleeve 106. The sleeve 106 defines a plurality of slots 112 for receiving at least a portion of the anti-spin tabs 110 therein. Each of the plurality of slots 112 extends from a lower end of the sleeve 106, upwardly in a direction parallel to a central axis of a through-hole opening defined by the hinge 104, to an intermediate position between the lower end and an upper end of the sleeve 106. In another embodiment, the plurality of slots 112 extend to the upper end of the sleeve 106. The bolt 102 is adjustably coupled to the nut 105. The hinge 104 is “sandwiched” or otherwise disposed between a head of the bolt 102 and the nut 105.

A method of coupling the hinge 104 to the toilet body is shown in FIGS. 2-3. As shown in FIG. 2, the top mount fastening system 100 is received in the mounting hole 12 in the toilet body from a single side (e.g., and upper side, a top side) of the toilet body. Once engaged with the toilet body, the head of the bolt 102 is rotated, pulling the nut 105 toward the head of the bolt 102 and into the sleeve 106. A first end of the nut 105 includes a tapered surface 114 configured to engage with a plurality of fingers 115 formed by the slots 112 in the sleeve 106. As shown in FIG. 3, the tapered surface 114 expands (e.g., separates, bends, etc.) the fingers 115 substantially radially outward and away from the axis of the mounting hole 12 in response to movement of the tapered surface 114. These fingers 115 press against the toilet body, preventing movement of the hinge 104 relative to the toilet body. The fingers 115 also apply a force to the tapered surface 114, which can, advantageously, prevent the nut 105 from loosening over time. According to an illustrative embodiment, the hinge 104 includes a cap 116 that conceals the head of the bolt 102. The cap 116 may be formed separately (e.g., as a separate piece) from the hinge 104 or may be integrally formed with the hinge 104 to define a single unitary body.

It will be appreciated that various modifications to the system may be made without departing from the inventive concepts disclosed herein. Referring now to FIGS. 4-8, a top mount fastening system 200 is shown to include a bolt 202 with anti-spin tabs, according to an illustrative embodiment. The system 200 additionally includes a hinge 204 and a nut 205. The hinge 204 may be the same or similar to the hinge 104 described with reference to FIGS. 1-3. In alternative embodiments, the hinge 204 may be different. As shown in FIG. 4, the anti-spin tabs are configured to engage with slots 212 on a sleeve 206 and prevent rotation of the bolt relative to the sleeve 206. The bolt 202 also includes a tapered surface 214 configured to engage with fingers 215 on the sleeve 206 as the bolt 202 is tightened. According to an illustrative embodiment, the tapered surface 214 is integrally formed with a head of the bolt 202 at a first end of the bolt 202. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the bolt 202 includes a threaded portion 118 extending from a second end of the bolt 202. The threaded portion 218 included a plurality of relief cuts 220 that are equally spaced along the threaded portion 218 (e.g., a central axis of the bolt 202). A length of the threaded portion 218, parallel to the central axis of the bolt 202, may be adjusted by breaking off pieces of the threaded portion 118 at the relief cuts 220 in order to prevent interference between the bolt 202 and a cap 216 of the hinge 204 (see also FIG. 8).

As shown in FIG. 6, the bolt 202 additionally includes a plurality of axial relief slots 222 extending from the first end of the bolt 202, through the head of the bolt 202, between the head and the anti-spin tabs. Among other benefits, the axial relief slots 222 allow for at least partial collapse of the tapered surface 214, which can, advantageously, allow the system 200 to accommodate smaller mounting hole 12 sizes on the toilet body. The bolt 202 may further include a second tapered surface 224 extending from the first end to simplify engagement of the bolt 202 with the mounting hole 12 (e.g., to allow the head of the bolt 202 to collapse gradually as it is inserted into the mounting hole 12, etc.). In some embodiments, the system 200 also includes a plug 226 configured to expand the head of the bolt 202 once inserted into the mounting hole 12.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a top mount fastening system 300 is shown to include an expanding hinge sleeve 306 configured to engage with a hinge 304, according to an illustrative embodiment. The expanding hinge sleeve 306 is slidably engaged with the hinge 304 and facilitates positioning of other components of the system 300 with respect to the hinge 304. According to an illustrative embodiment, the expanding hinge sleeve 306 is engaged with a recessed area and a slot on the hinge 304. Among other benefits, the system 300 provides a mechanism by which the position of the toilet seat may be adjusted with respect to the toilet body.

Referring now to FIGS. 10-11, a top mount fastening system 400 is shown, according to an illustrative embodiment. The top mount fastening system 400 includes a bolt 402, a hinge 404, a nut 406, a retainer 408, and a crush ring 410 (e.g., bushing). In other embodiments, the system 400 may be used without the crush ring 410. As shown in FIGS. 10-11, the system 400 is at least partially integrally formed with a hinge 404 of the toilet seat to define a single unitary body. The hinge 404 includes an expanding hinge sleeve 412, which extends away from a lower surface of the hinge 404 parallel to an axis of a hole defined by the hinge 404. In some embodiments, a thickness of a wall defining the sleeve 412 varies along the axis of the hole. In yet other embodiments, the sleeve 412 includes a crush rib (not shown) configured to engage with the mounting hole 42 in the toilet body. As shown in FIG. 10, the hinge 404 additionally includes a generally rectangular recessed portion 413 configured to receive the retainer 408 therein. The retainer 408 may be sized so that at least one surface of the retainer 408 is flush with a surface of the hinge 404.

As shown in FIGS. 10-11, the nut 406 includes a plurality of anti-spin tabs 414 configured to prevent rotational movement of the nut 406 with respect to the sleeve 412. The anti-spin tabs 414 are integrally formed with the nut 406 as a single unitary body. As shown in FIG. 10, the nut 406 includes two anti-spin tabs 414. In other embodiments, additionally anti-spin tabs 414 may be included (e.g., 3 anti-spin tab 414, 4 anti-spin tabs 414, etc.). The anti-spin tabs 414 may be equally spaced along an outer perimeter of the nut 406. The nut 406 additionally includes a locking member 416 disposed on a single one of the anti-spin tabs 414 and integrally formed with the anti-spin tab 414. As shown in FIG. 10, the nut 406 includes a single locking member 416. In other embodiments, the nut 406 may include a plurality of locking members 416. The locking member 416 is configured to prevent the bolt 402 from loosening from the nut 406. The locking member 416 extends upwardly from the anti-spin tab 414 in a substantially parallel orientation with respect to the anti-spin tab 414. As shown in FIG. 10, the locking member 416 includes a plurality of teeth 418 configured to engage with the retainer 408. An outer end 420 of the locking member 416 is tapered to facilitate assembly of the locking member 416 and the retainer 408.

As shown in FIG. 10, the retainer 408 is configured to slidably engage with the hinge 404. The retainer 408 includes a plurality of tabs 422 configured to engage with a plurality of recessed areas 424 on the hinge 404 in order to prevent movement of the retainer 408 with respect to the hinge 404. Alternatively, or in combination, the retainer 408 may include at least one locating member 425 (e.g., extensions, ribs, protrusions) (see FIG. 12) or another component to facilitate assembly and prevent movement of the retainer 408 relative to the hinge 404. In some embodiments, the retainer 408 may be sized for a “friction fit” with the hinge 404 (e.g., to interfere slightly with the hinge 404). The retainer 408 additionally includes a slot forming a recessed cavity 426 along an upper surface of the retainer 408. The recessed cavity 426 may be used to facilitate removal of the retainer 408 from the hinge 404; for example, a user may insert a screwdriver or fingernail into the recessed cavity 426 to help grip the retainer 408. The retainer 408 further includes a lock tab 428. The lock tab 428 includes a generally rectangular protrusion extending outwardly from a surface of the retainer 408. The lock tab 428 is configured to engage with the teeth 418 of the locking member 416 to secure the nut 406 in position relative to the hinge 404. Together, the lock tab 428 and locking member 416 may be used to prevent the nut 406 from separating from the hinge 404 during assembly (e.g., before the bolt 402 is coupled to the nut 406).

As shown in FIG. 10, the sleeve 412 defines a plurality of slots 430 for receiving at least a portion of the anti-spin tabs 414 therein. The bolt 402 is adjustably coupled to the nut 406. The hinge 404 is “sandwiched” or otherwise disposed between a head of the bolt 402 and the nut 406. The locking member 416 is configured to engage with the retainer 408. Together, the retainer 408, bolt 402, and hinge 404 define an opening 419 configured to receive the locking member 416 therein. In the embodiment of FIG. 10, the opening 419 is a slot that is contiguous with (e.g., extends along and shares a common border with) a through-hole defined by the hinge 404. The opening 419 provides a “pass-through” for the locking member 416, which may extend a distance beyond the opening 419 depending on a thickness of the toilet body wall. As shown in FIG. 11, the system 400 additionally includes a cover 421 that is configured to engage with the hinge 404 to conceal the bolt 402 and the retainer 408 and to prevent the retainer 408 from separating from the hinge 404.

A method of coupling the hinge 404 to the toilet body includes inserting the locking member 416 through the opening 419 to engage the locking member 416 with the retainer 408. The method additionally includes inserting the top mount fastening system 400 in a mounting hole 42 in the toilet body from a single side (e.g., and upper side, a top side) of the toilet body. The bolt 402 may be inserted into the system 400 either before or after the remainder of the system 400 is engaged with the toilet body. Once engaged with the toilet body, the head of the bolt 402 is rotated, pulling the nut 406 toward the head of the bolt 402 and into the sleeve 412. A first end of the nut 406 includes a tapered surface 432 configured to engage with a plurality of fingers 434 formed by the slots 430 in the sleeve 412. As shown in FIG. 11, the tapered surface 432 expands (e.g., separates, bends, etc.) the fingers 434 substantially radially outward and away from the axis of the mounting hole 42 in response to movement of the tapered surface 432. These fingers 434 press against the toilet body, preventing movement of the hinge 404 relative to the toilet body. The fingers 434 also apply a force to the tapered surface 432, which can, advantageously, prevent the nut 406 from loosening over time. As the nut 406 rotates, the locking member 416 is forced further through the opening 419. A method of disengaging the locking member 416 from the retainer 408 includes sliding the retainer 408 away from the opening 419 (e.g., away from a head of the bolt 402) until the lock tab 428 disengages with the teeth 418 of the locking member 416.

As shown in FIGS. 13-16, retention can, in some embodiments, be accomplished with a retaining dial 508. In the exemplary embodiment, the hinge 504 is adapted to receive a retaining dial 508. The retaining dial 508 is rotatably coupled to the hinge 504 (e.g., to a body of the hinge) to a stud, shown as pivot pin 542. The retaining dial 508 is configured to rotate generally about a pivot point 540 so as to bring the lock tab 528 end of the retaining dial 508 towards or away from the nut 506, when the nut 506 and the bolt 502 “sandwich” the hinge 504, as shown in FIG. 15. In such embodiments, any lock tabs 528 located on the retaining dial 508 will engage with the teeth 518 of the locking member 516 only when the lock tab 528 end of the retaining dial 508 is rotated towards the assembled bolt 502 and nut 506. In some embodiments, the retaining dial 508 may include a recessed cavity 526 along an upper surface of the retaining dial 508. The recessed cavity 526 may be used to facilitate removal of the retaining dial 508 from the hinge 504; for example, a user may insert a screwdriver or fingernail into the recessed cavity 526 to help rotate the retaining dial 508. In some embodiments, the retaining dial 508 may be sized for a “friction fit” with the hinge 504 (e.g., to interfere slightly with the hinge 504). As shown in FIGS. 14-15, the “friction fit” may be limited to an annular cavity portion formed about the pivot point 540 of the retaining dial 508.

As shown in FIGS. 17-20, retention can, alternatively, be accomplished with a retaining ring 608 in order to allow for additional lock tabs 628. FIG. 17 demonstrates one such example, with two sets of lock tabs 628. In the exemplary embodiment, the hinge 604 is adapted to receive a retaining ring 608. The retaining dial is configured to rotate about the location of the bolt 602 in FIG. 19 (e.g., about a central axis of an opening in the body of the hinge 604). When the retaining ring 608 in installed into the hinge 604 as shown in FIG. 19, and the nut 606 is inserted into the slots in the sleeve, and advanced towards the hinge 604, the teeth 620 will interface with the locking any lock tabs on the retaining ring. The retaining ring 608 can be rotated so as to align the lock tabs 628 with the slots in the sleeve. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 17, the retaining ring may include a recessed cavity 626 along an upper surface of the retaining ring 608; a user may insert a screwdriver or fingernail into the recessed cavity 626 to rotate the ring. In FIG. 17, the recessed cavity is a generally rectangular void, and may be used to facilitate rotation of the retaining ring. In some embodiments, the retaining ring 608 may be sized for a “friction fit” with the hinge 604 (e.g., to interfere slightly with the hinge 604). In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 17-18, the slight interference will only be present when a locating member 640 (e.g., rib) is not aligned with a corresponding receptacle 642 in the hinge 604 (e.g., a receptacle, recessed portion, or slot disposed along a side wall portion of the recessed portion of the hinge 604). By aligning the holes of the locating members 640 and their corresponding receptacles 642 to prevent interference when the lock tabs 628 are aligned with the receiving area for the teeth 618 (as guided by slots), it is possible to abate unintended movement of the dial. Further, by use of asymmetric patters of locating members 640 and corresponding receptacles 642, it is possible to “key” the interface to encourage proper installation.

While certain embodiments have been illustrated and described, it should be understood that changes and modifications can be made therein in accordance with ordinary skill in the art without departing from the technology in its broader aspects as defined in the following claims.

The embodiments, illustratively described herein may suitably be practiced in the absence of any element or elements, limitation or limitations, not specifically disclosed herein. Thus, for example, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” etc. shall be read expansively and without limitation. Additionally, the terms and expressions employed herein have been used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the claimed technology. Additionally, the phrase “consisting essentially of” will be understood to include those elements specifically recited and those additional elements that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed technology. The phrase “consisting of” excludes any element not specified.

The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the particular embodiments described in this application. Many modifications and variations can be made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Functionally equivalent methods and compositions within the scope of the disclosure, in addition to those enumerated herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing descriptions. Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. The present disclosure is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particular methods, reagents, compounds compositions or biological systems, which can of course vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting.

As will be understood by one skilled in the art, for any and all purposes, particularly in terms of providing a written description, all ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all possible subranges and combinations of subranges thereof. Any listed range can be easily recognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range being broken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, tenths, etc. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein can be readily broken down into a lower third, middle third and upper third, etc. As will also be understood by one skilled in the art all language such as “up to,” “at least,” “greater than,” “less than,” and the like, include the number recited and refer to ranges which can be subsequently broken down into subranges as discussed above. Finally, as will be understood by one skilled in the art, a range includes each individual member.

Other embodiments are set forth in the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A fastening system, comprising: a bolt; a nut coupled to the bolt, the nut including a locking member defining a plurality of teeth; a hinge disposed between a head of the bolt and the nut; and a retainer configured to engage with the locking member and the hinge, wherein the fastening system is configured to detachably couple a toilet seat to a toilet body, and wherein the fastening system is configured to be installed onto the toilet body from a single side of the toilet body.
 2. The fastening system of claim 1, wherein the retainer is slidably engaged with the hinge, wherein the retainer includes a lock tab, and wherein the lock tab is engaged with at least one of the plurality of teeth.
 3. The fastening system of claim 1, wherein the hinge comprises an expanding hinge sleeve extending parallel to an axis of an opening defined by the hinge, and wherein the expanding hinge sleeve defines a plurality of slots extending upwardly from a lower end of the expanding hinge sleeve, and wherein at least one slot is sized to receive an anti-spin tab on one of the nut and the bolt.
 4. The fastening system of claim 3, wherein one of the bolt and the nut defines a tapered surface configured to engage with a plurality of fingers on the expanding hinge sleeve, and wherein the fingers are configured to expand outwardly in a radial direction when engaged with the tapered surface.
 5. The fastening system of claim 1, further comprising at least one of a crush rib or a crush ring extending outwardly from the hinge and configured to engage with the toilet body.
 6. The fastening system of claim 1, wherein the retainer is at least partially disposed within a recessed portion of the hinge.
 7. The fastening system of claim 6, wherein the retainer comprises a locating member extending outwardly from an outer perimeter of the retainer, and wherein the hinge has a corresponding receptacle sized to receive the locating member.
 8. The fastening system of claim 1, wherein the retainer is rotatably coupled to the hinge.
 9. The fastening system of claim 1, further comprising a cover coupled to the hinge and extending over the retainer.
 10. The fastening system of claim 1, wherein a threaded portion of the bolt includes at least one relief cut at an intermediate position between opposing ends of the threaded portion.
 11. The fastening system of claim 1, wherein the hinge defines an opening sized to receive the bolt therein, and wherein the hinge defines a slot contiguous with the opening and sized to receive the locking member therein.
 12. A method of installing a fastening system onto a toilet body, comprising: engaging a retainer with a hinge; inserting a bolt through an opening in the hinge and into a sleeve of the hinge, the sleeve comprising a plurality of slots extending upwardly from a lower end of the sleeve; engaging a nut with the bolt, the nut comprising a locking member and an anti-spin tab, the locking member defining a plurality of teeth; inserting the sleeve, the bolt, and the nut through a through-hole opening in the toilet body; and advancing the nut onto the bolt to engage at least one of the plurality of teeth with the retainer.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein engaging the retainer with the hinge comprises positioning the retainer in a recessed portion of the hinge.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the retainer comprises a lock tab, and wherein advancing the nut comprises tightening the nut onto the bolt until at least one of the plurality of teeth engage with the lock tab.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the plurality of slots of the sleeve define a plurality of fingers, wherein advancing the nut onto the bolt comprises engaging the nut with the fingers to expand the fingers outwardly in a radial direction and toward the toilet body.
 16. A hinge assembly of a toilet seat, comprising: a body defining an opening; a sleeve extending away from the body in a direction parallel to an axis of the opening, the sleeve comprising a plurality of slots extending upwardly from a lower end of the sleeve, the plurality of slots defining a plurality of fingers; and a retainer coupled to the body and positioned adjacent to an upper end of the sleeve, the retainer comprising a lock tab extending inwardly from a perimeter of the opening.
 17. The hinge assembly of claim 16, wherein the sleeve is integrally formed with the body as a single unitary structure.
 18. The hinge assembly of claim 16, wherein the body defines a recessed portion sized to receive the retainer therein.
 19. The hinge assembly of claim 16, wherein the retainer is rotatably coupled to the body.
 20. The hinge assembly of claim 16, further comprising a cover coupled to the body and extending over the retainer. 